Scout Rendezvous 2024 invites plenty of outdoor fun

For decades scouting has provided an opportunity for young people to set aside the electronics and gadgets, get out from in front of the TV, and explore nature and enjoy plenty of outdoor activities that build character, leadership, health and friendships.

Coming up this September is a chance for area youth and families to experience what a slice of Scouting looks like at Scout Rendezvous 2024.

Scout Rendezvous 2024 is designed to ignite curiosity, passion and exploration in outdoor fun for youngsters throughout Holmes County.

The event will take place at Hartmann’s Camp near Nashville Sept. 20-22 and will feature loads of outdoor activities including tent camping.

“This is a chance for families to really step inside the Scouting world to see what it’s all about,” area Scouting leader Jeff Miller said. “There’s going to be a lot to do and experience connected to the outdoors, and it could serve as a great introduction into the world of Scouting for kids and families who may not have ever experienced it before.”

The invitation is going out to families and packs and troops, and visitors are welcome to join in on the fun and find out what Scouting is all about.

The outdoor experience will include target practice with BB guns and archery, a fishing derby, a catapult, live animal shows, outdoor cooking, flag retirement, and a pulled-pork dinner.

Saturday afternoon will feature a live animal show and a time of trading blankets.

“Trading blankets is a time for kids to bring toys, crafts they’ve made or other trinkets and trade with other kids,” Miller said. “We will have times throughout the day where kids can earn play money in which they can purchase some fun items like trinkets, arrowheads or whatever we have there, and then they can trade and have a blast.”

The fun will begin Friday, Sept. 20 with tent setup and free time for families, Scouts and kids to explore.

Opening ceremonies will kick off Saturday, Sept. 21, with stations rolling from 9 a.m. to noon. Following lunch, the animal show will begin at 1 p.m. with free time following, allowing kids to participate in fishing, catapulting and any of their favorite activities.

Trading blankets will take place from 4-5 p.m., and kids are invited to bring along toys, snacks and crafts to trade.

A community pulled-pork supper will begin at 5:30 p.m., and anyone is invited to bring along side dishes, with evening events kicking off at 7 p.m. including a campfire and flag retirement.

“Scouts, families and anyone interested can come stay for the entire weekend or simply come for a day to enjoy the experience,” Miller said.

The event opens the door for families and potential Scouts to chat with area leaders in all of Holmes County’s Scout and pack troops and even connect with current troop members who can share their experiences with them.

Another hope is the event will generate interest in rebuilding the troops in the Nashville area. Two years ago saw the group go defunct after Nashville had been a vital Scouting mecca for many years. Miller said they would love to see Nashville return to prominence in the Scouting world and rebuild its troops.

“Ultimately, doing that would be a huge plus during this event,” Miller said. “Scouting is such a valuable asset in all of our communities, and we’d like to see the Nashville kids have that opportunity once again with their own troops.”

The cost to attend Scout Rendezvous 2024 is $5 apiece for Scouts, siblings and visitors or $10 per family, and that includes patches for everyone.

For more information call Miller at 330-231-1501.

Hartmann’s Camp is located at 6060 County Road 52, close to Nashville. The event is sponsored by the Scouters of Holmes County.